KUALA LUMPUR, 9 Jun 2026 – After capturing attention through its teaser, official poster, trailer and haunting theme song over the past few weeks, Khadam has entered its final chapter before meeting audiences nationwide, marked by a prestigious Premiere Screening Night held yesterday evening.
Opening in more than 115 cinemas across Malaysia from 11 June, Khadam presents a distinctive take on horror, drawing from one of the deepest fears embedded within Malay culture, the burden of an inheritance that cannot be refused, loyalty pushed to its limits and the devastating consequences of choosing to align oneself with evil.
Set in the 1950s, Khadam follows Melor, a mother desperately trying to protect her family from ‘saka’ that has been passed down through generations. Yet the harder she fights to keep her family together, the greater the sacrifice demanded of her. Slowly, Melor finds herself losing not only control of her life, but potentially everything she holds dear.
According to director Shamyl Othman, the film was born from a desire to explore a form of horror that feels deeply personal to the Malay experience.
“In Malay culture, there are two forms of inheritance. One is tangible, what we know as family heirlooms or legacy. The other is intangible, the inheritance of a saka, a spiritual entity passed down through generations, believed to safeguard and assist those entrusted with it. A saka cannot simply be rejected. We either accept it and become its master, or risk allowing it to destroy our family. And when faith begins to weaken, a person can become so consumed by its whispers that they cease to be its master and become its servant instead,” explained Shamyl.
He added that the true horror of Khadam does not stem from the entity itself, but from the consequences that unfold when people willingly enter into a relationship with darkness.
Beyond its supernatural elements, Khadam explores themes of family, generational trauma, responsibility and sacrifice, inviting audiences to confront a question that lingers long after the credits roll, how far would you go to protect your family?
The emotional depth of the film is further strengthened by a screenplay written by Fariza Azlina Isahak, who crafts tension through silence, emotional restraint and
internal conflict, elements rarely explored in contemporary horror cinema.
By making Melor a protagonist who has lost her voice, both literally and symbolically, the film allows visual storytelling and emotional nuance to carry the weight of her suffering, resilience and journey as a mother.
For Executive Producer Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, Khadam was developed with a clear ambition from the very beginning, to create a Malaysian film capable of standing alongside regional and international productions in terms of craftsmanship and quality, while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural identity.
“Quality has been our priority throughout every stage of Khadam’s development. From the screenplay and directing to production design, music, post-production and casting, every decision was made with great care to ensure the final result met the standards we set from day one. We wanted to create a film that not only entertains, but leaves a lasting impact on audiences while demonstrating that local stories can be presented at the highest level,” said Datuk Ahmad Izham.
Produced by Red Communications and Komet Productions, Khadam brings together a distinguished network of creative and industry partners across the region, including Magma Entertainment and VMS Studios (Indonesia), Sil Metropole Organisation Ltd. (Hong Kong), Applause Entertainment (India), alongside Primeworks Studios, Golden Screen Cinemas and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to elevating regional storytelling through ambitious productions rooted in local culture while appealing to broader international audiences.
Leading the film is acclaimed Indonesian actress Aghniny Haque, who makes her Malaysian film debut as Melor in this large-scale international collaboration, starring opposite Datuk Remy Ishak as Awang in one of the year’s most anticipated on-screen pairings.
The ensemble cast also features Siti Khadijah Halim, who continues to establish herself as one of Malaysia’s most promising young actresses through a growing body of acclaimed television and film work, alongside newcomer Karl’ El, who makes his acting debut in Khadam.
The film is further elevated by a standout performance from Zarra Zhaff, whose emotionally nuanced portrayal plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative, showcasing her remarkable screen presence and reinforcing her status as a rising talent to watch. Completing the cast is a special appearance by Jun Lojong as Nek Mak, bringing together experience, charisma and a new generation of performers shaping the future of regional storytelling.
The Premiere Night itself served as an extension of the world meticulously crafted within Khadam. Guests were immersed in an atmosphere shaped by layered soundscapes of rain, distant thunder and unsettling ambient textures that echoed the film’s haunting mood long before the lights dimmed. Adding another emotional dimension to the evening was a special performance by Ernie Zakri, who performed the film’s official theme song, Tak Berlagu.
Early reactions from industry figures, members of the media and invited guests following the screening were overwhelmingly positive. Many praised Khadam for its bold and sophisticated blend of horror, family drama and psychological storytelling, resulting in a narrative that feels both emotionally resonant and deeply unsettling.
The film’s compelling screenplay, powerful performances, immersive sound design and ability to sustain tension without relying on conventional horror tropes were frequently cited as among its greatest strengths.
The scale of the evening was further elevated by the support of a distinguished lineup of brand partners, including Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, St. Giles Boulevard Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Hyatt House Hotel Kuala Lumpur as official hospitality partners, alongside Per’l as the official beverage sponsor. Earlier in the day, the cast appeared in elegant ensembles by Mimpikita and Kita&Co for the Media Screening, before stepping onto the red carpet in exclusive creations by Behati for the Premiere Night.
Rooted in the rich traditions and beliefs of Malay culture while crafted to international production standards, Khadam stands as one of the most anticipated Malaysian films of the year. More than that, it reflects the growing confidence, ambition and creative maturity of Malaysia’s film industry, one that continues to evolve while telling stories that resonate far beyond its borders.
From 11 June 2026, audiences will step into the world of Khadam across more than 120 cinemas nationwide, with distribution led by GSC Movies and Primeworks
Studios as the marketing partner. Following its Malaysian release, the film is also expected to reach regional markets including Singapore and Indonesia. Singapore and Indonesia.
If early audience reactions are any indication, this is a cinematic experience best encountered firsthand. Because when the lights come back on, Khadam does not
simply end on screen, it lingers in the silence after, unsettling what we think we know about love, family, and sacrifice.
Watch the official trailer here: https://youtu.be/4PycNrbjKcY
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